And the professional licensing issues that follow, with a coordinated defense strategy across both proceedings from day one.
The process begins with an immediate review of the criminal allegations, identification of all licensing consequences, and determination of whether any mandatory reporting obligations or deadlines apply before anything else is filed or disclosed.
All communications with licensing boards, investigators, and professional agencies are managed while protecting constitutional rights and the broader criminal defense strategy. Fifth Amendment guidance is provided regarding what can and cannot safely be disclosed during licensing investigations or administrative proceedings while criminal charges remain pending.
If disciplinary proceedings continue, the firm represents professionals during hearings, negotiations, disciplinary review, and reinstatement matters where applicable.
Facing both criminal charges and a licensing board inquiry? Call (954) 765-1900.
Yes. Most Florida licensing boards, including DBPR, DOH, and The Florida Bar, have authority to discipline, suspend, or revoke a license based on criminal charges, not just convictions. In many cases, the licensing process begins before the criminal case is resolved, which is why coordinated representation from the outset is essential.
Many Florida licensing boards require professionals to self-report certain criminal charges within strict deadlines. The Florida Bar, for example, requires attorneys to promptly report qualifying charges. Failing to report may lead to additional disciplinary action independent of the underlying charge. Speak with an attorney before making any report, how and when the report is made can affect both proceedings.
Yes. If your criminal case is still pending, answering questions may create risks for your defense. Fifth Amendment protections apply during licensing investigations, and your attorney can manage both proceedings carefully to avoid self-incrimination. Never respond to a licensing board investigator without coordinated legal guidance in place.
Moral turpitude generally refers to conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, theft, or behavior considered contrary to professional standards. Many Florida licensing boards treat offenses involving moral turpitude as grounds for discipline or possible revocation, and in some professions, an allegation alone may trigger immediate disciplinary action before the criminal case is resolved.
Yes. The firm handles both criminal defense and professional licensing matters together, ensuring that decisions made in one proceeding do not negatively affect the other. This coordination is the core of the firm’s approach to representing licensed professionals facing criminal charges.
A withhold of adjudication means there is no formal conviction. Some licensing boards may treat this more favorably than a conviction, but the impact depends on the board, the profession, and the specific allegations involved. Protecting your license should be built into the overall criminal defense strategy from the beginning, not addressed after the criminal case resolves.
An emergency suspension is an immediate action taken by a licensing board to suspend a professional’s license before a full hearing is conducted, typically when the board believes the public faces an immediate risk. Emergency suspensions can be challenged through an expedited administrative hearing. The window to respond is short, and having experienced representation in place before the suspension notice arrives is the strongest position to be in.
Do not make statements to your employer, a professional agency, or any investigator without first consulting an attorney. Statements made in an employment context can be used in both the criminal proceedings and licensing board investigation. The instinct to cooperate and explain the situation can create significant legal risk, contact the firm before any communication takes place.
